Jatropha in 8″ Pot

Shrubs or small trees, 1–6 m (3–20 ft) depending on species; many are semi-succulent. Leaves are alternate, glossy, often lobed or palmate: J. integerrima has simple to 3-lobed, oblong-ovate leaves 5–15 cm; J. podagrica has peltate, 3–5-lobed leaves on long petioles and a swollen bottle-like caudex. Flowers are borne in terminal cymes, usually bright red (also pink/white in cultivars), 1–2.5 cm wide, 5-petaled, star-shaped; male and female flowers separate on same plant. Blooms nearly year-round in warm climates, peaking spring–fall; attract butterflies/hummingbirds. Fruit are 3-lobed capsules that ripen brown and explosively dehisce, flinging seeds. Sap is milky and can cause skin irritation; seeds are poisonous if ingested.

Quick care: full sun (≥6 hrs) for best flowering; tolerates light shade (fewer blooms). Prefers well-drained, gritty/loamy soil (pH 6–7.5); excellent drainage is critical—add sand/perlite. Water moderately—keep lightly moist while establishing; once established, drought-tolerant. Let the top 3–5 cm dry between waterings; avoid waterlogging (root rot). Warmth lover 20–32 °C (68–90 °F); hardy USDA 10–11 (protect below ∼10 °C/50 °F; brief dips to 0 °C may defoliate but can resprout). Feed lightly: balanced fertilizer every 4–6 weeks in growing season, or compost mulch in spring. Prune to shape after flowering; wear gloves (latex irritant). Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings (let cut end dry 2–3 days) or seeds. Few pests; watch for mealybugs, scale, spider mites. Use as specimen, hedge, or container plant; J. podagrica also grown as caudiciform houseplant.